MALAWI GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROGRESS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN MALAWI

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MALAWI GOVERNMENTMINISTRY OF
HEALTHPROGRESS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE
PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR IN MALAWI
By Dr Charles Mwansambo Secretary for
Health 20th May, 2013 World Health Assembly Side
Event GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE

• Introduction
• Key Achievements in implementation of Good
  Governance in the Pharmaceutical in Malawi
• Reasons for the Achievements
• Challenges
• Lessons learnt
• Conclusion

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INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION - CONTINUED

• Malawi is in the Southern part of Africa. Sharing
  international borders with Mozambique to the
  south, Zambia to the west and Tanzania to the
  north
• Estimated population of about 15 million people

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GOOD GOVERNANCE IN MEDICINES IMPLEMENTATION

• Malawi with support from the WHO has completed
  phase I and Phase II of the Good Governance in
  Pharmaceuticals.
• Now Malawi moving onto Phase III

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Key achievements 20112012

• Training of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM)
  team completed
• Development of Good Governance in Medicines (GGM)
  Frame Work completed
• The Framework now awaits launch end October 2013

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REASONS FOR SUCCESS OF THE PROGRAMME

• Technical as well as financial support has always
  been available from country and WHO Geneva
  offices.
• The national GGM Team has been together for a
  long time.
• Collaborations with local anti corruption
  agencies including the Police.

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CHALLENGES

• Inadequate budget lines for the operations of the
  programme.
• Limited local pharmaceutical manufacturing base.
  Over reliance on imported medicines brings in its
  own problems in the procurement as well as other
  pharmaceutical systems.

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CHALLENGES CONTINUED

• Inadequate capacity at the Pharmacy, Medicines
  and Poisons Board to enforce legislation and
  regulations relating to control of medicines in
  Malawi.
• Inadequate funding to the health sector which
  lead to consistent shortage of essential drugs
  and medical supplies at service delivery points.

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LESSONS LEARNED

• Good Governance infrastructure is achievable,
  what is required is commitment and patience.
• Commitment should be by both GGM Teams and our
  Governments.
• Effective coordination of the GGM programme
  requires a dedicated team of trained individuals
  and logistical support.

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LESSONS LEARNED CONTINUED

• To promote and ensure transparency and good
  governance practices in Malawi the GGM programme
  will be managed by the Drugs and Medical Supplies
  Technical Working Group (TWG) in the SWAp and
  also the National GGM Committee.

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NEXT STEPS IN MALAWI GGM PROGRAMME

• Follow the planning matrix which has been
  developed
• Continue with campaigns and development of
  guidelines including conflict of interest
• Build national capacity for good governance in
  medicines regulation and supply management systems

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EXPECTATIONS FROM THE WHO

• We expect country and Geneva WHO offices to
  continue guiding us, giving us the much needed
  support both technical and financial which will
  lead us into successful implementation of Phase
  III of the GGM.

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CONCLUSION

• The Government of Malawi understands the
  importance of Good Governance in pharmaceuticals
  and hence is committed to full implementation of
  the GGM with the aim of improving health services
  in the country

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• THANK YOU